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vulcanize

[ vuhl-kuh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, vul·can·ized, vul·can·iz·ing.
  1. to treat (rubber) with sulfur and heat, thereby imparting strength, greater elasticity, durability, etc.
  2. to subject (a substance other than rubber) to some analogous process, as to harden it.


vulcanize

/ ˈvʌlkəˌnaɪz /

verb

  1. to treat (rubber) with sulphur or sulphur compounds under heat and pressure to improve elasticity and strength or to produce a hard substance such as vulcanite
  2. to treat (substances other than rubber) by a similar process in order to improve their properties
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


vulcanize

/ vŭlkə-nīz′ /

  1. To harden rubber by combining it with sulfur or other substances in the presence of heat and pressure. Vulcanization gives rubber strength, resistance, and elasticity.


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Derived Forms

  • ˈvulcanˌizer, noun
  • ˌvulcaniˈzation, noun
  • ˈvulcanˌizable, adjective
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Other Words From

  • vulcan·iza·ble adjective
  • vulcan·i·zation noun
  • vulcan·izer noun
  • non·vulcan·ized adjective
  • self-vulcan·izing adjective
  • semi·vulcan·ized adjective
  • un·vulcan·ized adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of vulcanize1

First recorded in 1820–30; Vulcan + -ize
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Example Sentences

The pieces of vulcanized rubber track were produced at a factory in northern Italy and workers have been laying them down at Stade de France, the national stadium hosting track events.

Those on the ice have eased up during the lull in play, probably not ready for vulcanized rubber flying their way.

The purple pieces of vulcanized rubber track being produced at a factory in northern Italy will be run on by the world’s fastest athletes at the Paris Olympics.

Players score by using hockey sticks to maneuver a puck made of vulcanized rubber into the opposing team’s goal.

And there are a couple of Swiss goalies who, once they are done picking shards of vulcanized rubber from their teeth, would attest to the Canadians’ offensive prowess.

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vulcanizationvulcanized fiber